Neighbourhood Watch: Cannabis Factories

Since the 1st June, six cannabis factories have been found across the city. They were in:- Commercial Street, Burslem; Pelham Street, Hanley; Cromartie Street, Dresden; Castlefield Street, Shelton; Town Road, Hanley; Hill Street, Stoke. Two of the cannabis factories were in disused pub premises - perhaps indicating a new trend. In total eleven people have been arrested in connection with the raids and thousands of plants seized.

Indications of a cannabis factory may be:-

Windows covered permanently from the inside; visits to the premises at unusual times of the day or night; people visiting just to 'maintain' a building; daily or weekly calls to the premises by people who stay for a short time; black bin bags or laundry bags being taken away; compost bags or gardening equipment left outside, usually at the rear; vents protruding from the roof or rear window; strange, pungent smells from the premises; unusual noises from equipment such as cooling fans.

Anyone with information or suspicions about drug use in the community is asked to call us on 0300 123 4455. Alternatively, anonymous calls can be made to Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.

Regards,
Steve Morris
Watch manager
Neighbourhood Watch
Email: stephen.morris135@staffordshire.pnn.police.uk
Tel: 01785 233306